Sunday, April 26, 2009

Fate-Part 2

A few weeks passed and my life was that of any normal teenage girl. I was focused on my schoolwork and just surviving the third quarter of my senior year. Yeah I wasn’t like most seniors that slacked off their senior year. No I had a full schedule with AP classes every bell. When I finally had a day with minimal homework I checked Colin’s profile to see what had been going on with BU hockey. That’s when I noticed it. The relationship status…he had a girlfriend. Go Figure…

After that I kinda ignored everything to do with college hockey.

A few weeks later I was still doing my homework at 3 am. I still had Spanish to do and I knew I wasn’t going to be done anytime soon. I logged onto my Facebook for a 10 minute break. There was a little 1in my online friends box but I didn’t even think to see who it was. I scanned the activity in the last few hours and played on my apps. When I went back to work on my Spanish I forgot to close the browser. Three minutes later I heard a pop and nearly jumped out of my skin. Realizing someone had pulled up a chat box with me on Facebook I sighed. I pulled it up and was shocked to see who had decided to talk to me. It was the Colin Wilson. The guy that had been secretly, silently running through my head in the past month and a half. It said:

Hey

I debated whether or not to respond to someone I had never met and then I decided…what the heck why not.

Hi

I finished the last problem I had around 3:25 am. There was no point in even trying to go to sleep now when I had to be up in an hour and a half anyway. I began to check all my websites when I heard that little pop again.

What’s up.

Not much, you?

I was on the Pittsburgh Penguins website the next time I heard that familiar pop.

Couldn’t sleep. Why are you on at 3 am?

Homework.

10 seconds later…

Ahh ic. Wondering why I’m on?

A little…yeah.

5.4.3.2.1.

Girlfriend and I just got into a huge fight. She was flirting with a bunch of other guys.

Ouch…

That was how my friendship with Colin Wilson began.

Hockey and Blessings Chapter 5

My due date was during the Olympic break and Sid decided to stay in Pittsburgh instead of going home to visit his family. I yelled at him but his stubbornness won the fight. He had moved enough of his stuff into my place so that he could be comfortable.

About a week before I was due Army came over, told me to get dressed that we were going out. I could’ve sworn the boys were supposed to have practice that morning, in fact Sid even left to go to practice, or so I thought. Army drove me to Mario and Nathalie’s where I was surprised to see a bunch of familiar cars in the driveway. He helped me out and into the house where I was accepted with hugs from all the guys and their wives. Sid was standing in the corner a small smile on his face. He winked and gestured for me to take a seat in the middle of the room.

“Ok, does someone want to tell me what’s going on here?” I asked.

“Sid didn’t tell you,” was the response I got from over half the room.

I shook my head and motioned for Sid to come closer. He nervously approached probably thinking that I was going to hit him. When he was in my arms reach I pulled him into a strong but gentle hug.

“Thank you,” I whispered into his ear. He kissed my forehead and sat himself down on the couch next to me. We did all the classic baby shower things from games to cake and finally gifts. I received a swing and highchair from Mario and Nathalie, a car seat and book of baby names from Brooks, and a diaper bag full of bottles, diapers, wipes, and a spa day from Army and his girlfriend Mel. Sidney handed me a picture of a baby’s room.

“Max, Fleury and a few of the other guys all decided to buy you the baby furniture. It was delivered last night while you were at class. They can’t wait to come up and see the new baby penguin.” I made a mental note to call all of them tonight to thank them.

“Ok time for Sid’s gift,” Nathalie said. He pulled a box out of his back pocket and placed it on top of my rounded stomach. I quickly unwrapped it and pulled the mass of tape he used to keep it closed off. When I opened the box I saw a set of car keys. Unable to speak I pulled Sid into a hug silently thanking him. He then handed me another package this one with a much better tape job.

“More?” I asked.

“This one is a little more homemade thanks to my mom and Taylor,” He blushed. “I don’t have a single creative bone in my body.”

It was a scrapbook with all sorts of pictures from the time I had arrived in Pittsburgh until now. It had pictures of the guys during practice, Mario consoling me when I found out about the baby, Sid and I picking up Army at the airport, Brooks, Sid and I going mini-golfing, and my favorite picture of Sid and I just chilling out and watching a movie. Then it included pictures of me at each stage of pregnancy as well as all my ultrasound pictures. At the very end was a premade page empty except for the pictures of my baby. As I looked through it I cried seeing all the memories I had in just a few short months. Sid then handed me an envelope.

“This is it, I promise,” He said. “Now I know you aren’t a fan of Jeff Carter and neither am I but I was talking to him and he handed me this. I wasn’t sure if you wanted it or not but I decided to give it to you anyway. “I opened the envelope and pulled out a picture of Tyler and I goofing off on the ice after the last game of the season. Before I put the picture back inside the envelope Sid stopped me. “Turn it over.” I did and was shocked to see the words written in Jeff’s messy handwriting. ‘Tyler and Stacey, true love.’ By now I was balling and Sid stood up pulling me into him. Well as close as I could get with my stomach in the way. He said our goodbyes and helped me into his car driving back to my apartment. On the way home I fell asleep.

Hockey and Blessings Chapter 4

I knew that I should tell Tyler that I was having his baby but I no longer knew how to get in touch with him. Sid asked me who the dad was but I just couldn’t tell him. I knew that he would do everything in his power to track Tyler down and I didn’t want to make Tyler give up his dream. Though I was scared to become a single mom I knew that I was never alone. I had Sid, Brooks, Mario and his wife Nathalie in Pittsburgh and I had Marc-Andre and Army out in Wilkes-Barre. They all made sure that I knew I could ask them for anything.

Sid was there for me more than anyone else and the gesture went both ways. When he was upset about a game he knew he was always welcome at my place where he could get a home-cooked meal and a nice big hug. In return he would rub my back and stomach and pick up any cravings that I may have. He had become my number one speed dial.

In fact one night in the middle of December I decided to tell him everything. I told him about meeting Tyler and how he had protected me. I told him about us becoming best friends and then me sleeping with him before we went our separate ways. I told him why I didn’t want to tell anyone about Tyler being the father because I had no way to contact him. Sid just pulled me to him because I had burst into tears while talking about it. He let me cry and eventually I fell asleep head on his chest.

Over the next few months my stomach grew bigger and bigger. It got to the point that I couldn’t bend over or walk easily. When Colby got called up I had even more people there to take care of me. Colby, Sid, and Brooks took turns staying with me in my apartment so that I wouldn’t be alone, and when they were on a road trip I would stay with Mario and Nathalie and Nat and I would go shopping Sid’s treat. He was literally the best friend a girl could have. I may have been carrying Tyler Kennedy’s baby but I was doing just fine with the help of some amazing friends.

Who Says Boys Are Better? Nov. 2, 2008

November 2, 2008

S: Pretty, pretty, please?

He pouted. At the moment he was trying to get me to go to dinner with him. We were in NYC and he had heard of a new restaurant that he wanted me to try with him. Practice had just ended and I was getting ready to go back to the hotel. I was tired and really wanted to just rest. Thinking for a moment I gave in as I appeared to walk out the door ignoring him.

M: Pick me up in an hour. I laughed poking my head back in the room.

Knock knock

I slipped on my shoes, grabbed my purse, and then answered the door. I had decided to wear a cute little black and white dress. Eyeing me his jaw dropped.

S: Wo…Wow! You look absolutely amazing!

He pulled me towards him and stared down into my eyes. Gently lifting my chin up he kissed me. He broke the kiss arms still around my waist. Slowly we made our way to the restaurant. Gosh he just looks better every time I look at him. His sharp jaw and soft eyes are so attractive. Oh my word…am I falling for him?

Leaving the restaurant I smiled. Not only had the food been great it was just barely raining outside. I loved the rain. I made everything take on a slight sparkle. We decided to walk back to the hotel instead of taking a taxi. I followed him to his room due to the fact that I wasn’t really tired. He changed into his pajamas and offered me a pair of boxers and a t-shirt. We crawled into his bed and watched one of his old World Junior games. During the second period I snuggled into his chest and fell asleep.

Who says Boys are Better? Oct. 29,2008

October 29, 2008

By now I guess you could say Sid and I were dating. The team was on an 8 game winning streak. Sid and I were racking up the points too. We had played 12 games this month and won 11. The only loss coming in the shootout vs. Tampa Bay.

Here’s the schedule we’ve played so far.

10/4 vs. Ottawa in Sweden 4-2W
10/5 @ Ottawa in Sweden 2-0W
10/7 vs. Montreal 5-2W
10/9 @ Tampa Bay 1-0(SO) L
10/12 @ Atlanta 5-1W
10/15 vs. Washington 7-3W
10/17 @ N.Y. Rangers 3-2W
10-18 vs. N.Y. Islanders 3-1W
10/20 vs. Toronto 5-4W
10/22 @ Carolina 2-0W
10/24 @ Buffalo 3-1W
10/28 vs. Calgary 3-2W

Team Stats: 11-1-0 23pts.

Point wise here are Sid and my Stats:

Sid has 14 goals, 11 assists, and 25 points.

I have 7 goals and 17 assists, and 24 points.

He’s got the scoring title by 1 point and I am leading all rookies.

So as you can guess life is pretty good. Sid totally gets what it’s like to be under the spotlight. In fact he’s glad that I’m stealing some of it from him.

Who says Boys Are Better? Oct 16-17, 2008

October 16, 2008

Oh my gosh! Sid is driving me insane. He is sending me totally mixed signals. One minute he’s flirting with me the next ignoring me. I think it’s time for a women’s advice.

Ding Dong

Nathalie came to the door.

M: Good you’re home, can we tallk?

N: Of course, come on in Melissa. What do you need to talk about?

M: Well, ok. It’s about…well Sidney I guess.

She nodded somewhat knowingly.

N: Let me guess. He has you confused and yet he doesn’t know it.

M: Exactly, I mean he’s flirting one minute and the next he’s how to I put it. Detached.

N: Mel, I probably shouldn’t tell you but he likes you. Just talk to him and you might get the answer you want.

M: Thank you.

I hugged her and left to ponder what Nathalie had told me.

October 17, 2008

Swish, Swish, Clang, Swish, Bang.

I was firing pucks at the net trying to relieve some stress. This thing with Sid is driving me nuts. The ice is the only place that I can get any piece of mind. The next thing I knew Sid was beside me taking slap shots. After 5 minutes the emotion in the air changed. I decided to actually run through some drills if only to escape the tension that was dripping like molasses. I was doing some drills using the boards my back to Sid. Feeling his presence I looked over my shoulders. He spun me around and pressed me flat against the boards. I began to ask what he was doing but he quickly silenced me.

S: Mel, please just hear me out.

He was almost begging me. Quietly I relaxed letting him take control. He continued.

S: Mel, I know you’re not supposed to like someone that you work with but honestly I can’t help it. I mean you’re amazing and I never thought I could find a woman who loves hockey as much as I do. Well maybe besides my sister that is.

He looked so cute and adorable that I just sighed.

S: And I know we have chemistry I mean it’s there on the ice, why not off-ice too.

He continued to blabber and just needed to shut up.

M: Sidney… he paused. Shut up would you.

He froze and looked upset.

S: Sorry I ju…jus…just.

Slowly I freed an arm and snaked it up around his neck. Gently pulling him towards me, I
kissed him soundly on the mouth. At first he was shocked, but then he responded eagerly. My god does that boy taste good. Needing to breathe I pulled away and smiled. This might be the start of an amazing thing. Oh and he’s right there is chemistry.

Who Says Boys are better? Oct. 6-7, 2008

October 6, 2008

I was sitting on a plane back to Pittsburgh, talking to Sid.

M: Did I mention I hate flying.

He just laughed at me.

S: Seriously…”

He opened his carryon and pulled out a tiny bottle. He slid a pill into my hand.

S: Ginger pills, trust me they help.

I grabbed my water bottle and swallowed the pill.

M: Thanks.

Oh, you want to know how my first game went. Ok, well let’s just say…it was AMAZING!! I had a blast and Sid is awesome. We won both our games. Sid scored 5 goals total with me assisting on all of them. I didn’t score but that was on purpose. I want my first goal to be in the Mellon so Sid said we’d make that happen.

October 7, 2008

He shoots and scores! Sorry, correction: SHE shoots and scores! My first goal! Oh and it came maybe 20 seconds into the first period. Sidney won the opening faceoff and passed the puck to me. We skated into the offensive zone together as I passed the puck back to him. He skated past the defense and behind the net. I slid to the crease and received the puck that he sent up over the top of the net. Quickly I slid the puck into the top left corner. I just smiled as Sid pulled me into a hug and I listened to the crowd go wild.

Announcer: Penguins goal scored by # 78 Melissa Norris. Goal by #78 Melissa Norris at 19.7 seconds. Assisted by #87 Sidney Crosby.

Sitting on the bench everyone congratulated me. After the game which we won 5-2 we all decided to go clubbing. Finishing my interviews I went back to the shower to change. Instead of my pants I decided to wear my dark pink dress. It was just a tad bit flirty. I reapplied my makeup and pulled my hair back so it was half-up half-down. Most of the guys had already left and those that hadn’t were in interviews or showering.

S: Wow, Mel, you look amazing.

Shocked to hear his voice I spun around.

S: Oh come on, don’t even try to deny it. You flat out look hot.

He was whispering in my ear, his voice slightly husky.

After that let’s just say the rest of the night was awkward. I think Sid was flirting with me. I’m not sure though, I’ve never had a guy think I was hot. I was always known as being too smart or being too much of a tomboy for playing hockey. Argggghhh. I’m so confused right now. I mean is the flirting serious or just for fun. Does he actually like me or just wants someone who’s easy. Seriously I need to know.

Monday, April 13, 2009

First Impressions

A first impression can tell you many things. It can tell you whether someone is shy or egotistical. It can tell whether someone is lazy or hardworking. It can also tell you if someone is smart or doesn’t care. In fact it was my first impression of Steven Stamkos that started this whole mess. Sitting there watching the 2008 NHL draft from the upper bowl is when I got my first impression of him. As he hugged his parents when the Tampa Bay Lightning called his name he had this smirk that gave me the immediate impression that he was a jerk, that and the fact that he took half-an-hour hugging everyone in his entire section. I mean seriously you will see them later…it’s not like you are flying to Tampa right this minute. I understand mom, dad, and even grandparents or a girlfriend but beyond that save it for later. After that he was the last thing on my mind because honestly those boys are hot and well he’s just average looking.

A few weeks later.

I never realized how much stuff I had from when I was little until I had to pack it all up and move away from home. My favorite uncle had recently gotten a job in Tampa Bay and had asked me to join him. Not only was his new job in Tampa Bay it was with the Lightning. Therefore it entailed me to things I had never dreamed of. Things like ice level seats to see some of the premiere players of the game or free stuff. Walking through the lobby of Ottawa International Airport is a pain let me tell you that. As I was reaching my boarding area my phone rang. I managed to dig through my bag and find my phone before I missed the call. Granted by this time I was slightly flustered so seeing my uncle’s name on the caller ID was a relief.
“Hey,” I smiled answering.
“Samantha I know I told you I’d be there to pick you up but uh something came up and they need me at work. I’m truly sorry,” He apologized.
I sighed; I was really looking forward to seeing him. “That’s ok Uncle Mac, I understand.”
“No it’s not ok, you know I hate breaking my promises especially those to you. I’ll talk to one of the players and see if they can pick you up and bring you back to the arena. I should be done by then and I can give you a tour. Then we’ll go out to dinner, my treat.”
“Really it’s fine I’ll manage…” He quickly cut me off.
“I insist, you know how stubborn I can be.” That I did and since my plane was to start boarding in a few minutes I knew better than to even get into this argument with him.
“Alright,” I groaned. “I’ll see you soon then my plane is boarding.” I ended my call and got in line with my boarding pass and passport.

When the flight landed in Tampa the first thing I noticed was how bright it was, and how warm. Dang I already needed to shed layers and I hadn’t even gotten inside the main part of the airport yet. Quickly I sprinted to the baggage claim hoping to beat the rush of passengers. I grabbed my bag and headed off to the passenger pickup area. Scanning the area I was unable to find anyone that looked even semi-familiar. Then again I wasn’t very up to date on Tampa’s revamped roster either. Of course he wouldn’t send anyone that I knew what they looked like. I turned on my phone hoping my uncle had called to tell me who was picking me up. Once again, no such luck. Scanning the room once again I saw a guy kind of hiding near the back who appeared to be waiting for someone. On a closer look I finally recognized him. It was Ryan Malone who had previously been a Pittsburgh Penguin before signing with Tampa prior to free-agency. Slowly as to not blow his disguise I walked toward him. He greeted me with a hug even though he had never met me. I guess he's a very friendly guy. He took my bags and led me to a silver Lexus. It was a very nice car. He opened the passenger door for me and I slid into the seat. He drove me to the arena and took me into the player's lounge. That's where I saw him. He was hanging with a flock of girls all crowding around him like vultures to a dead body. It was disgusting. Ryan introduced me to some of the guys like Lecavalier, Hall, Roberts, Recchi, and St. Louis. They were all really cool. I sat on the couch and watched them play NHL 2K9 until my uncle appeared in the doorway to take me home and then out to dinner.

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As the weeks passed I grew to hate HIM even more. Since he met me my second day in Tampa he has been flirting with me non-stop. I was so sick of his egotistical butt. Eventually the guys got sick of my moodiness and kept me away from HIM if at all possible.

With the end of training camp I was hoping that they would send him back to Sarnia and that I would no longer have to deal with him. My wish wasn’t granted. Of course I was stuck watching the biggest jerk on the planet for at least the next 9 months. During the beginning of the season I became good friends with Ryan’s wife Abby. I spent most of the games with her and their son William. It was the easiest way to avoid Stamkos.

When the head coach was fired things changed. I noticed an immediate change in Steve’s behavior…well at least at the rink. He finally stopped hitting on me and I was so longer stepped on by puck-bunnies after every game. Abby seemed to acknowledge the shift in my opinion of Steve. She now made it her mission to help me realize that I was falling for the cocky idiot, and I’ll admit it I didn’t think he was near as bad as my first impression made him to be. The look on his face when he or one of his teammates scored was actually kind of cute.

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The night that he scored his first NHL hat-trick Ryan decided to have a small party at his house while Abby and William were back in Pittsburgh visiting some family. Ryan practically threatened that if I didn’t come he would tell Abby and she would find some way to torture me. Therefore I relented and let him drive me back to his place to help him set up for the party.

While the party was in full swing I was sitting out on the back porch sipping at a can of pop and just looking up at the moon and stars. I was so caught up in the gorgeous view that I didn’t even notice the sliding door open and someone’s body plop down next to me on the steps. I shivered slightly at the proximity of whoever was there. I looked over at the male only to see Steven sitting next to me. He looked at me with those bright bluish/greenish eyes and I was slightly taken aback. They say the key to a person’s soul is their eyes and I could read every emotion in his at that very moment. They held excitement, peacefulness, happiness, and another emotion that I thought to be love. He set his pop down next to him and turned his body slightly towards me. He wrapped his arm around me pulling me closer and also warming me to the bone. He was well muscled and yet very soft at the same time. I couldn’t help but to look up at him with wonder and amazement at the promise his eyes held.

He tilted my head up slightly with his free hand and placed his hand on my cheek. Looking deep into my eyes he slowly leaned in and briefly brushed his lips to mine. Pulling back so that only our foreheads touched he whispered, “I like you…no scratch that I’m in love with you.” Hearing these words and no longer caring about holding back my feelings I collided my lips to his and kissed him with all the passion I possessed. He smiled into the kiss.

When we broke apart I said “People say first impressions are the most important but screw them, I’d rather follow the ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’. He just laughed and pulled me further into his side as we watched the stars above and I knew that this was right.